Level 1 – Beginner 1 (First Steps on Court)
Level 1 is where the journey truly begins. The player has just started learning how to handle a racket and move on the court. At this stage, the focus is not on winning points or competing. It is about discovering the basic feel of the game.
A Beginner 1 player might struggle to hit the shuttle consistently. They are still learning how to move safely and efficiently on the court. That is completely normal. The goal here is not perfection, but familiarity and comfort.
What This Level Teaches
At Level 1, players start developing:
- Basic coordination: learning how to hold the racket, swing, and make contact with the shuttle.
- Court awareness: understanding where they are on the court and how to move without colliding with others.
- Confidence: feeling safe and comfortable while moving and hitting the shuttle.
The emphasis is on repetition and small successes. Every time a player manages to hit the shuttle, or moves to the right spot to reach it, they are making progress.
The Role of Coaches and Parents
At this stage, guidance matters more than skill. Coaches and parents should:
- Encourage curiosity and fun rather than pressure performance.
- Celebrate small achievements, even if the shuttle doesn’t go where intended.
- Show that badminton is a game to explore, not a test to pass.
I believe that the way a player experiences these first sessions shapes their motivation for months or years to come. Positive reinforcement here is more important than anything else.
The Goal of Level 1
The aim is simple: to help the player feel at home on the court. A Beginner 1 player should leave each session enjoying the game, wanting to return, and beginning to understand the connection between racket, shuttle, and movement.
Level 1 is about laying the foundation. Without it, the journey to higher levels becomes unnecessarily difficult. By the end of this stage, the player has taken their first steps into a world of learning, growth, and enjoyment.